Collector car insurance - do any allow backup use?

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I think the bottom line on all of this that has been discussed above is that insurors who insure collector cars,and who charge a commensurate rate, will not pay if the car is damaged or wrecked while it's commuting to or from work. If anybody tells you different, it's an insurance agent too anxious to sell the policy or somebody who is misinterpreting a clause in the contract.

I don't care what anybody says or where they heard it, dollars to doughnuts if you wreck your car in what is indisputably a commuting accident, they're not going to pay.

Prove me wrong at your own risk.

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by boxster03

This is from the Sneed Underwriting guidelines. Do you have to call and request a periodic driving to work rider? I would read from this it is not allowed. They also mention an appraisal is required if the stated value is above $40k. That is a pain.

SNEED ENCOURAGES CLASSIC CAR COLLECTORS TO ENJOY THEIR CARS WHETHER THAT BE A SUNDAY DRIVE OR CAR SHOW. SNEED INSURANCE DOES NOT INSURE VEHICLES USED FOR DAILY PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION. SNEED JUST ASKS THAT YOU NOT USE YOUR CLASSIC CAR FOR RUNNING ERRANDS OR DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. (NO RACING. SNEED DOES NOT INSURE COLLECTIBLE VEHICLES WITH RACING EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLE)

That is for their Collector Car insurance, they have a seperate category for Exotics, that Porsche is listed under.
Sneed's ad in the October issue of PCA's Panorama states: "Usage includes pleasure use plus occasional drive to and from work. No Racing. Subject to Underwritng Approval."

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by logan2z

I just got off the phone with AAA. They don't have agreed value policies, they just use the 'market value' of the car at the time a claim is made. That may or may not be better than NADA value, but it's not an agreed value. They told me to use a classic car insurance company instead.

They do have agreed value with their collector car insurance.
Collector Car Insurance - Insurance Services - Automobile Club of Southern California

[boxster03]

[QUOTE][That is for their Collector Car insurance, they have a seperate category for Exotics, that Porsche is listed under.
Sneed's ad in the October issue of PCA's Panorama states: "Usage includes pleasure use plus occasional drive to and from work. No Racing. Subject to Underwritng Approval."
/QUOTE]

Again from Sneed. I would not consider this Collector car insurance. 2010 MY - 14 = 1996MY or newer.


Exotic Vehicle - A vehicle manufactured in the most recent 14 years and which because of its specific make, model year of manufacture and exceptional physical condition, is considered to be increasing in value rather than depreciating in value.

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

I find it hard to imagine that Hagerty--my insuror--would pay off on a collector car insured with them that was rear-ended at 0730 on a Monday in bumper-to-bumper commuter traffic. Wouldn't happen.

Actually, you'd be surprised... I pondered the same question, got some varied opinions on forums, including an insurance expert who said in no uncertain terms that while those companies DO require you own a commuter, they DO NOT specifically exclude the use of your car to go to work... It's not written *anywhere*. The guy then challenged me to show him where that was written in the contract, and I could not....

So I decided to give Hagerty a call... I prefaced my question by mentioning that some competitors (SNEED for one) allowed me to show off my old car at work now and then...

The Hagerty rep said it was OK for me to drive my hagerty covered car to work "Now and then", and also to take the wife to dinner in it, 2 things I thought used to be big No-nos, as long as I have another car used as a commuter and it's not an everyday thing...

So there, from the horses mouth... I believe I even posted the email I got from them as a confirmation on this board... But I'm too lazy to search right now...

So unless someone reports a claim denial at 7:30 AM or 5PM on a monday, I'll go with what they told me ! None of this of course answers the "backup car" question, you'd have to read the fine print again or call them...

[Deschodt]

Ah hell, I searched.. Just for you Steve ;-)

Official Hagerty response below:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Our policy is a flexible, limited use policy. We do not, however, limit you to just show and club use. Occasional pleasure driving fits our underwriting guidelines, but our policy is not intended for vehicles regularly driven to work or school or for running errands. We look for usage that is consistent with owning a valuable automobile and the availability of insured regular use vehicles for daily transportation. While the average mileage generally put on a collector vehicle is approximately 2,000-3,000 miles annually, our policy language does not state a specific mileage limitation. We are more concerned with how the vehicle is being used than how much.

With that in mind, while we do not want the vehicle regularly used for running errands like going to the store, please rest assured that your coverages (provided on the policy declarations page) follow you to places like that, the occasional night out at a restaurant (classic cars love a nice evening dinner cruise) and even when it is being worked on at a garage. You may certainly take your classic vehicle to work on a sunny day to show it off, as long as this would be infrequent and you have another vehicle available for your daily work use.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call our office at (800)922-4050 and any one of our friendly agents will be happy to assist you. We are open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 8pm, Saturday 8:30am - 4pm and Sunday 12pm - 4pm (Eastern).

Sincerely,

Javonne Friley
Licensed Sales Agent
Hagerty Insurance Agency
(800)922-4050



So there you have it, in writing (kinda, but the email came with a tracking number and all), as long as it is "infrequent"! That's not as well defined as AMIG's policy of twice a week, but I suppose that is good enough to no switch over ?! What are they gonna do, interview my work colleagues and ask "how many times this month did you see the white 912 or the orange Bimmer, vs. the daily driver 911" ? I think not.. But anyway... I for one feel a little better taking the oldies to non-strictly pleasure runs now and then... (infrequently, I swear)

[logan2z]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

None of this of course answers the "backup car" question, you'd have to read the fine print again or call them...

As I mentioned above, I did call them. And they said if the car is used as a backup while the DD is in the shop, then it is NOT covered.

[logan2z]

Originally Posted by boxster03

Do you have to call and request a periodic driving to work rider? I would read from this it is not allowed.

If you go through the online quote process at Sneed's web site, there's an option for selecting occasional use of your insured vehicle as a backup.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I'm delighted you guys all have permission to occasionally commute in your car. (Uh, how do you prove it's "occasional," after the accident? Well, never mind.)

So I say go for it. And have a nice day.

[ratpiper71T]

I'm delighted you guys all have permission to occasionally commute in your car. (Uh, how do you prove it's "occasional," after the accident? Well, never mind.)



So I say go for it. And have a nice day.

+1 to this sarcastic response!
When I told my father about the collector policy I bought for my '71 ( he has around 35 years of experience in the insurance business, everything from autos to commercial property- marketing, underwriting, etc.), he said, " it's not driving to work you have to worry about, it's them paying, period. In my experince those types of policies rarely pay period." But since I'm not driving it right now, it's better to save money and still meet Ins. requirements.

[nesslar]

Hmmm. Well, I may drive two days a week to work (rare occurrance at that), limited mileage per year, agreed value, about $320 a year, full coverage. Policy has a rider attached regarding the work (commute) use. I do it seldom, it ain't far, and of course I meet ALL their requirements; clean record, locking garage, etc. Knock on wood, let's face it....I'm a good, careful, defensive driver, and I guess they know it. They would pay, I intend to make sure they never have to. How would I prove I never drive much to work? Witnesses, i.e., co-workers, family, other people in business in the Company's area. Why would I risk driving too often, anyway?!? Might as well have ZERO insurance in that case....I can drive it when I get home....oh, and weekends!!

[nesslar]

Oh, and the Company referred to back a few posts is "Sneed", not "Snead", through "American Modern Insurance" I believe. I am sure they DO allow such things as mentioned....depends on the individual circumstances, record, etc. I also think that folks shouldn't worry about companies "paying off" as long as you have things in writing and the company is well established, etc., like following their guidelines. Sarcasm (imagined or otherwise) has no bearing on the fine print.

[gilach]

Sneed also gives PCA members a 10% discount. in short, all insurance companies sux....look at AIG. they will tell you a different story each time you call them depending on the wind direction, humidity and time of day. the classic car insurance business has to be lucrative, there are so many of them around, and most customers fit the super low risk profile.

[hootster2310]

American collectors insurance has excellent coverage.

[whiterabbit]

Heres the deal, as long as you have another car registered in your name with full coverage then they are legally obliged to pay out.

There is no way they can legally deny a claim if you happen to drive your classic to work one morning and it gets in a wreck or out to dinner one night or whatever else other than "racing" which is explicitly excluded.

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

Ah hell, I searched.. Just for you Steve ;-)

Official Hagerty response below:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Our policy is a flexible, limited use policy. We do not, however, limit you to just show and club use. Occasional pleasure driving fits our underwriting guidelines, but our policy is not intended for vehicles regularly driven to work or school or for running errands. We look for usage that is consistent with owning a valuable automobile and the availability of insured regular use vehicles for daily transportation. While the average mileage generally put on a collector vehicle is approximately 2,000-3,000 miles annually, our policy language does not state a specific mileage limitation. We are more concerned with how the vehicle is being used than how much.

With that in mind, while we do not want the vehicle regularly used for running errands like going to the store, please rest assured that your coverages (provided on the policy declarations page) follow you to places like that, the occasional night out at a restaurant (classic cars love a nice evening dinner cruise) and even when it is being worked on at a garage. You may certainly take your classic vehicle to work on a sunny day to show it off, as long as this would be infrequent and you have another vehicle available for your daily work use.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call our office at (800)922-4050 and any one of our friendly agents will be happy to assist you. We are open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 8pm, Saturday 8:30am - 4pm and Sunday 12pm - 4pm (Eastern).

Sincerely,

Javonne Friley
Licensed Sales Agent
Hagerty Insurance Agency
(800)922-4050



So there you have it, in writing (kinda, but the email came with a tracking number and all), as long as it is "infrequent"! That's not as well defined as AMIG's policy of twice a week, but I suppose that is good enough to no switch over ?! What are they gonna do, interview my work colleagues and ask "how many times this month did you see the white 912 or the orange Bimmer, vs. the daily driver 911" ? I think not.. But anyway... I for one feel a little better taking the oldies to non-strictly pleasure runs now and then... (infrequently, I swear)

+1. I think that puts it "to bed".....yes, the day is nice, thank you.

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

I'm delighted you guys all have permission to occasionally commute in your car. (Uh, how do you prove it's "occasional," after the accident? Well, never mind.)

So I say go for it. And have a nice day.

We're delighted that you're delighted,..and it would appear that they have "gone for it"...

[Nickshu]

A 993 is a "classic car"? I thought had to be over 25 years old to be considered classic. Geez I'm getting old!

But seriously...I'm glad I came across this thread. I'm going to look into collector insurance vs. conventional now.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

"When I told my father about the collector policy I bought for my '71 ( he has around 35 years of experience in the insurance business, everything from autos to commercial property- marketing, underwriting, etc.), he said, " it's not driving to work you have to worry about, it's them paying, period. In my experince those types of policies rarely pay period."

Nothing wrong with collector-car insurance--I have it myself (Hagerty)--it's just the matter of getting paid. The Hagerty letter quoted has enough weasel words in it--"sunny day...occasional...to work to show it off..."--That nobody needs to pay a cent in claims if I'm driving my 911 to a parking garage in Manhattan on an overcast day. Who "shows their car off" to their co-workers in Manhattan? And of course if I get rear-ended on the way to the Metro North station to take the train into the City, all bets are off.

As I said earlier, go for it, and continue to have a nice day, as long as you're fully aware that the decision as to whether to pay a claim isn't made on an informal Internet forum, or based on a nebulously worded letter from some lower-level company rep. "I'm sorry, sir, that agent was wrong, as a careful reading of your policy will make plain, and we base our claims and payments on the policy. Besides, she no longer works here."

[logan2z]

I've done a lot of hunting around since I first posted this thread and it looks to me that Sneed is the best choice for my needs. Good rates ($517/year for my 993), a policy that allows for backup use, and configurable mileage limitations. Based on some input from hootster2310, I'm going to give American Collector one more call and see what their latest options are, but I'm likely going to go with Sneed.